Charles R Cross

Charles Williams (1886–1945) was an English poet, novelist, playwright, theologian, and literary critic who spent most of his life in London before moving to Oxford in 1939. He worked for Oxford University Press for much of his career, eventually becoming an editor. Williams is primarily remembered for his novels, often described as 'supernatural thrillers,' which delve into the intersection of the physical and spiritual worlds and the corrupting or sanctifying nature of power. His fantasies are distinct for being set in contemporary times. He was also a significant theological thinker, developing the concept of 'co-inherence.'

Beyond his fiction, Williams published poetry, literary criticism, theology, drama, and historical works. His literary output garnered admiration from contemporaries like T. S. Eliot and W. H. Auden, with C. S. Lewis being a particularly close friend and admirer. Williams's theological ideas, particularly co-inherence, explored mutual indwelling and interdependence within creation and the Body of Christ, influencing his literary and proposed religious orders. He received an honorary M.A. from Oxford in 1943 and is buried in Holywell Cemetery, Oxford.

Charles Williams is widely recognized for his novels, which T. S. Eliot characterized as 'supernatural thrillers.' These works uniquely explore the intersection of the material and spiritual realms, examining how power, including spiritual authority, can both corrupt and sanctify. Unlike many fantasy writers, Williams consistently set his imaginative narratives in contemporary settings. His fiction is often described as 'Christian fantasy,' placing him alongside figures like C. S. Lewis and T. F. Powys. Writers such as Tim Powers have cited Williams as a significant influence for his approach to contemporary fantasy. His novels often feature the invasion of the everyday world by the marvelous, dealing with concepts like the Holy Grail, metaphysical stones, Platonic archetypes, and the nature of immortality.

A key aspect of Williams's work is his theological concept of 'co-inherence.' This idea, rooted in Patristic theology concerning Christ's divine and human natures, was extended by Williams to describe the ideal interrelationship within all of God's creation. It signifies a mutual indwelling and interdependence, where Christ is in us and we are in Christ, extending to the social, economic, and ecological fabric of existence. Williams envisioned this principle as central to the Body of Christ and the communion of saints. He proposed establishing an order, the Companions of the Co-inherence, dedicated to practicing substitution, exchange, and mutual bearing of burdens in love. This theological framework is considered central to his novels.

Williams spent a significant portion of his professional life with the Oxford University Press, starting as a proofreading assistant in 1908 and rising to editor. One of his notable editorial achievements was publishing the first major English edition of Søren Kierkegaard's works. His participation in literary circles included membership in the Inklings, a group that met in Oxford and included prominent writers like C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. Williams's friendship with C. S. Lewis, initiated by mutual admiration for each other's work, was particularly influential. He also lectured at Oxford on literary figures and received an honorary M.A. degree in 1943.